Escape the everyday with a getaway to the vibrant and colorful Carolina Beach. Offering a rich natural ecosystem, a variety of activities and delicious local flavors, Carolina Beach is the ideal retreat for a grown-up only vacation.
Easy Exploration
Tour the island at your own pace by renting a bike from Pleasure Island Rentals to take in the island's scenic routes, including the colorful creations that dot local businesses as a part of the Carolina Beach Mural Project. These creative and unique public art displays depict the town's culture and many different characteristics, from its free-spirited vibe to its rich history. Follow this guide to see them all. Be sure to make a pit stop at Carolina Beach Lake Park on your journey and explore the pathway that encircles the local lake.
Explore more of the island with the direction of a local expert on a guided tour from Tasting History Tours. Offered seasonally or by demand, learn more about the island's historical landmarks while tasting the best local flavors along the way. Or, delve into the area's hidden history with Wilmington Bike & Brew's guided Ebike Carolina Beach tour. Visit local landmarks like the iconic Fat Pelican, a local dive bar, and the ever-popular Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Travel back in time with the Federal Point History Center on its seasonal Historic Boardwalk tour, which shares stories of the Boardwalk from its heyday.
Set sail with Island Cruises on a sunset cruise and relax as you glide along the coast with live music, all while learning about the island's history and other points of interest. For a memorable waterfront adventure, try Sea Legs Pedal Pub, where you harness the power of pedaling while a skilled captain steers. Bring your beverage of choice on board and pedal away, or simply let the motor do the work.
Outdoor Adventures
Tap into your adventurous spirit and head to Carolina Beach State Park to experience the island's natural beauty. Join an educational hike led by park rangers on Saturdays, or explore the various trails on your own to discover local flora and fauna, including the native Venus flytrap — a carnivorous plant that only grows within a 60-mile radius of Carolina Beach — and the Sugarloaf Dune, which played a strategic role in defense during the Civil War. Participate in the park's guided Monthly Bird Walk to spot different species in their natural habitat. For a different perspective of the state park, schedule a guided kayak or paddleboard tour with knowledgeable instructors from Paddle NC.
Beachside Bites + Cocktail Spots
Savor fresh seafood at Stoked Restaurant, where you can enjoy beautiful waterway views from the dog-friendly patio. Just a short walk from the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Lake Park Steakhouse is a local favorite known for its cozy atmosphere and bold flavors. Seaworthy Kitchen + Bar specializes in farm-to-table entrees and delightful charcuterie boards. Don’t miss Michael’s Seafood, a beloved Carolina Beach establishment, to taste award-winning dishes like its famous clam chowder and customizable steamer pots. Visit Havana’s to indulge in a diverse menu of land and seafood options while soaking in the inviting ambiance of a charming beach cottage that is more than 100 years old.
Grab a drink or two at The Tropical, where you can savor refreshing tiki-inspired cocktails on the rooftop bar overlooking the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. The Sandspur is a lively daytime dive bar that serves a variety of craft cocktails and frozen concoctions. The Fat Pelican, a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its eclectic vibe, has a walk-in cooler with more than 400 drink options. If you're a craft beer enthusiast, Good Hops Brewing is the place to be, offering a rotating selection of locally brewed beers. Enjoy your drink in the beer garden, or try your hand at the PRDG-registered disc golf course behind the brewery. Keep the games going at Putter Pub, where you can enjoy delicious drinks in the groovy bar and a round of mini-golf.
Stylish Stays
Reserve a room at Golden Sands Beach Resort for a relaxing retreat in one of its newly refurbished accommodations. For a full-service experience, consider the Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront or the Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront. Both offer resort-style stays paired with ultimate relaxation along the shore and are conveniently located in the heart of Carolina Beach.
Discover your home away from home and enjoy all that the island has to offer with a vacation rental from Carolina Beach Realty or Sea Coast Rentals.
Whether planning a quick getaway or an extended escape, Carolina Beach welcomes you to create unforgettable memories on your next grown-up getaway. Explore the island on a guided tour, savor a meal or learn about the local culture; this coastal paradise offers something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for a memorable and relaxing getaway.
